Former Sale Sharks flanker Hendre Fourie will not be forced to leave the United Kingdom, despite suggestions that he would be deported.
The 33-year-old, who was born in South Africa, was forced to retire last week because of a shoulder injury.
It had been claimed that the former England international would have to return to his country of birth, but a UK Border Agency spokesman has insisted that he is "not required to leave".
"His visa has not been curtailed at this time - he's not required to leave. His employment contract with Sale Rugby Club has been terminated and his employer has rightly informed UKBA of this decision. We are considering what action to take next," BBC Sport quotes the spokesman as saying.
"If an individual's circumstances change and they no longer meet the terms of their specific visa they can apply for a visa of a different type.
"Mr Fourie has been informed of the process and the various options available to him. It is entirely up to him if he chooses to explore any of them further."
Fourie has been living in the United Kingdom for eight years.
